Improving Chennai Infrastructure Part 1 - Autos

Im not ashamed to say I like Madras, thats called Chennai these days.
Its a bit more laid back less frenetic than other metros in India, dare I say cleaner as well in many parts..
But in my opinion the bane of Madras that is Chennai is its notorious Auto rickshaw drivers. Very democratic bunch they are - they fleece residents and tourists in equal measure.
The present government revised the auto fares and introduced some rules hoping to instill some discipline - fat chance indeed, the auto drivers simply turned a Nelsons eye and continue flouting all rules with impunity.
So what could be a solution ? Well the Tourism department is keen on attracting more tourists to visit TamilNadu. But with Autodrivers like these , They don't need enemies -the autodrivers would simply turnaway the tourist crowd with their belligerent attitude.
So the TD could enlist autodrivers who would be willing to display a special board - something like Friendly and Honest Auto . These drivers would agree not to charge anymore than the fixed fares - the condition would be that if they tried doing that they would lose their licence.
I'm pretty sure tourist and even locals would not mind paying a small premium if they were assured of polite and honest service.
Any takers i wonder?

Grew in Sixty years, Gone in Sixty seconds

Im referring to a barren G N Chetty Road, bereft of avenue trees. Alright it may have taken more than 60 seconds to clear a tree but it took more than 60 years to get these gentle giants there.

Im told they want to build a flyover .. sure but they should have used the middle of the road for the pile foundation. Thats right , now the sun shines relentlessly where there was the cool shade and a wafting breeze.The destruction is now complete.

It s called modernisation and development after all.

The Winter of our discontent

Its plainly evident...
We are on the threshold of a severe crisis.
And Im not just referring to the oil crisis ..
By our own rapaciousness and greed we have managed to alter the climate so that it acts against us instead of for us.
Yes it rains, and rains so much that we cant use the water at all.. and we still are short of clean potable water.
We ve burnt and polluted the environment more in less than 50 years than the last several thousand years put together.
People advocating clean energy cannot get their voices heard loud enough.
I read of some people in Germany and India who independently developed a process to convert plastic to petrol and diesel. Considering the huge mounds of plastic waste every country generates why cant we share these processes and improve on it. Surely this could be done for the benefit of all..
Unfortunately, human nature being what it is.. we wouldnt like to share.. perhaps some would but they are in a disillusioned minority...
Where are we really heading?

First Steps

I feel like a toddler taking his first tentative steps.. a rush of emotions confront me as i delve for the first time into the world of blogging.. can i sustain it?
Only Time will tell..